In honor of the November holiday, let’s dive into the often overlooked—but incredibly essential—post-interview Thank You email.
You sent the perfect cover letter, your resume was flawless, and you just logged out of the best interview of your life. You’re all set, right? Wrong. There’s one more imperative step on the road to employment: a thank you email.
We get it, this final reach out is the worst possible combo: easy to forget and awkward to write. But if this simple little note is all that stands between you and your dream job, it’s worth doing. Not only that, but if executed correctly, thank you messages show your potential employer your professionalism, enthusiasm, and commitment to making a positive impression.
Still stuck? Here are a few ways to approach that dreaded blank new message box and what to be sure you include:
Attitude of Gratitude
As you may have guessed, the most important thing to include in a thank you email is literally saying thank you. Showing your appreciation to the interviewer goes a long way, especially when you think about all the work put into the hiring process. There’s no secret phrasing on this one. A simple, “thank you for your time and the opportunity to learn more about the role and company,” is a great look. Keep it brief but sincere.
Reinforce Your Interest
It’s always a good idea to remind the contact of your eagerness to join their team. This might feel like an obvious statement since you applied for the position, but companies are looking for someone who not only wants the job, but would be excited for the opportunity. Think about the expectations of the role and how your skills complement them. Briefly highlight something specific from the interview and how your experience and background can feel that need. Don’t be afraid to express your interest.
Use Specifics
In all of these areas, it’s ideal to reference topics you spoke about in the interview. It shows you were engaged in the conversation and that you value the time they spent with you. It also exemplifies your active listening skills, which is an excellent skill to spotlight to a prospective employer.
Spellcheck AND Proofread
It cannot be said enough times: a typo in a professional document is the same as asking a company not to hire you. Think about how many other candidates have sent thank-you messages and did NOT use the wrong their/there/they’re. Making sure your correspondence is error-free shows you have attention to detail, are a solid communicator and don’t rush through tasks just to get them checked off your to-do list.
Keep It Simple, Stupid
Don’t overthink this. This email should be a quick few lines that remind the organization of your presence and interest. Think of it like dropping into a colleague’s office to say hello. It’s a walk-by not a sit-down visit. Your goal is to keep your name at the top of their minds, show you valued the time they spent with you and that you’d be thrilled to join their team. If you’ve done all of these things, imagine the Academy Award play-off music is crescendoing and wrap it up.
Thank you for reading!